12 Best Stock Trading Apps UK For Beginners 2024

UK investors can easily trade stocks on an FCA-regulated app. This means you’ll never be more than a click away from the financial markets.

In this guide, we compare the best stock trading apps in the UK for 2024. Read on to discover the best FCA-regulated trading apps for low fees, supported markets, investment tools, and much more.

The Best Trading Apps UK Ranked

Here’s our list of the best stock trading apps in the UK for beginners and experienced pros alike:

  1. eToroStock trading app with 0% commission on thousands of UK and global shares and a free £100,000 demo account.
  2. XTB – Best no-commission mobile stock trading platform; apply leverage of up to 1:5 and even short-sell your chosen companies.
  3. AvaTrade – Trade more than 600 stocks commission-free from the UK, US, and European markets with leverage of up to 1:5.
  4. FP Markets –  Provides MetaTrader 4 & MetaTrader 5, TradingView, IRESS, cTrader and WebTrader & mobile apps.
  5. Pepperstone – Access premium and advanced trading options and advanced order types. Trade more than 100 UK shares.
  6. Admiral MarketsAccess Forex, CFDs on shares, commodities, cash indices, commodity futures, and bonds. Demo account, educational content, and trading tools.
  7. Trade NationAccess more than 1,000 markets and more than 90 technical indicators and multiple trading tools.
  8. Capital.com: 0% commission platform with over 2,800 stocks. Trade on the London Stock Exchange as well as indices, ETFs, commodities, and forex.
  9. Hargreaves Lansdown: Established UK broker supports thousands of stocks, funds, trusts, and bonds as well as ISAs and SIPPs.
  10. IG: Popular share dealing broker with thousands of markets. You can invest in UK stocks from £3 per trade, and US stocks from £0.
  11. Freetrade: Low-cost stock mobile trading app with more than 1,500 global stocks on the free plan and commission-free trading.
  12. Trading 212: Commission-free stock trading app allows you to buy and sell shares from just £1. It also supports fee-free ISAs and  CFD trading with leverage.

Best Stock Trading Apps for Beginners Reviewed

We’ll now review the 12 best stock trading apps listed above. Find out more about each provider, including trading fees, available stock markets, minimum investment requirements, and much more.

1. eToro – 0% Commission UK Stock Trading App with Copy Trading

eToro is a powerful stock trading app that offers thousands of shares from the FTSE, NYSE, NASDAQ, and other markets around the globe. All share and ETF trades are commission-free, making this one of the most competitive apps to trade stocks in the UK today.

eToro UK home

On the eToro app, you can buy and sell shares with just a few taps. Regulated by leading bodies in the US, UK and Europe, it’s easy to see what shares are trending or set up price alert push notifications so that you never miss a trading opportunity.

For more in-depth analysis, eToro offers a proprietary mobile trading platform with customizable charts and dozens of technical indicators. You can compare multiple shares on the same chart, which is great for deciding between stocks to trade in the same industry.

Another great thing about eToro is that it supports copy trading. You can start copying experienced stock traders instantly in the app, then sit back as stock trades are executed automatically in your account.

eToro trading app

Traders who want to build and test their own strategies can do so using eToro’s £100,000 demo account. The demo account includes access to all of eToro’s features, including copy trading, and you can reset your virtual balance at any time.

Supported Markets Pricing System Fee to Invest in Amazon Stock Min. Deposit Top Features
  • Stocks
  • ETFs
  • Forex
  • Indices
  • Commodities
  • Bonds
  • 0% commission for Stock and ETF trading
  • Commission free
  • Dependent on region
  • Invest in thousands of global stocks
  • Purchase real stocks and ETFs (not CFDs)
  • 0% commission for all share trades
  • Supports stock copy trading
  • £100,000 demo account included

Pros pros

  • 0% commission on thousands of UK and global shares
  • Powerful mobile charting platform
  • Copy trade an unlimited number of portfolios
  • Excellent mobile user experience
  • Mobile price alerts

Cons cons

  • High minimum investment for copy trading
  • $10 per month fee after 12 months of inactivity

76% of retail CFD accounts lose money – your capital is at risk.

2. XTB – Popular Stock Trading App With 3,000+ Global Stocks at 0% Commission 

XTB is one of the best stock brokers in the UK. You can trade online, via its native desktop software, or by downloading the XTB app for iOS/Android. All three options come packed with features, including chart analysis tools, technical indicators, and lightning-fast execution speeds. XTB offers two types of stock trading markets.

First, you can invest in traditional stocks, meaning you own the underlying shares. More than 3,000 real stocks are supported and you won’t pay any commissions to trade. This includes US-listed stocks, so you can buy Tesla shares in the UK cost-effectively. You can also invest in Apple, Amazon, IBM, Ford Motors, Microsoft, and many other popular US companies.

XTB app review

You can also invest in UK-listed stocks, such as AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Lloyds Bank, and BT. The second option you have is to trade stock CFDs. These are financial derivatives that track real-world stock prices. They enable you to trade stocks with leverage of up to 1:5, so you’ll have £50 in trading capital for every £10 you deposit. XTB supports thousands of stock CFDs and you can go long or short on your chosen companies.

Stock CFDs are also commission-free, just like real shares. Irrespective of which stock type you opt for, you can get started with a free demo account. This enables you to trade stocks in live market conditions risk-free. Or, you can begin trading with real money – no minimum deposit is required. You can fund your XTB account via its app; payment types include debit/credit cards and e-wallets.

XTB app review

Another feature of the XTB app is it supports other asset classes. For example, you can trade commodities like oil, gold, silver, sugar, corn, and natural gas. On the lookout for the top UK forex brokers in 2024? XTB has traders covered as they can also trade forex pairs like GBP/USD, USD/CAD, and EUR/GBP. Indices from around the world are supported too, including Japan, China, Germany, and the US. If you’re new to trading, XTB offers free educational guides, articles, and ebooks.

Supported Markets Pricing System Fee to Invest in Amazon Stock Min. Deposit Top Features
  • Stocks
  • ETFs
  • Forex
  • Indices
  • Commodities
  • All supported markets can be traded commission-free
  • Commission-free
  • No minimum deposit
 
  • Invest in over 3,000 stocks from the UK, US, and other markets
  • Trade stock CFDs with leverage of up to 1:5
  • Commission-free trading on all supported assets
  • Trade on the XTB app, desktop software, or via web browsers
  • Lots of stock charting tools and technical indicators

Pros pros

  • Invest in over 3,000 global stocks at 0% commission
  • Alternatively, trade stock CFDs to access leverage and short-selling
  • No commissions are charged on any markets
  • No minimum deposit requirements
  • Fractional shares from just €10 (about £8.50)

Cons cons

  • Does not support cryptocurrencies

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

3. AvaTrade – 0% Commission Trading App Supporting CFDs and Spread Betting    

AvaTrade is one of the best stock trading apps in the UK for short-term traders. It specializes in two different types of financial derivatives that can be traded with leverage. First, AvaTrade supports spread betting markets – meaning you can buy and sell stocks without paying tax on your capital gains. Second, you can also trade stock CFDs.

Both options support leverage of up to 1:5, plus the ability to go long or short. Moreover, AvaTrade supports more than 600 stocks, mainly from the UK and US markets. Best of all, AvaTrade doesn’t charge trading commissions, regardless of whether you are spread betting or CFD trading. You’ll find some of the lowest spreads in the market too. For example, most stocks can be traded with spreads of just 0.13%.

avatrade signup

So, if you place a £100 position, you’re simply paying 13p to enter the market. However, AvaTrade won’t be suitable for long-term investments. Every day you keep a position open, you’ll be charged overnight financing fees. This can be expensive in the long run, so AvaTrade is best suited for day trading. After all, if you close a leveraged position before the end of the trading day, no overnight financing fees apply.

avatrade mobile page

AvaTradeGO, its native app for iOS and Android, is very user-friendly. It comes with many market insights, such as the best and worst-performing stocks over the prior day. The app also comes with more advanced trading tools, such as optimized technical indicators. If you want to give AvaTradeGO a test drive, you can open a free demo account. Or, if you want to trade stocks with real money right away, simply meet a minimum deposit of £100.

Supported Markets Pricing System Fee to Trade Amazon Stock Min. Deposit Top Features
  • Stocks
  • ETFs
  • Forex
  • Indices
  • Commodities
  • Bonds
  • Options
  • All supported markets can be traded commission-free
  • Commission-free
  • £100
 
  • Trade stocks via spread betting or CFDs
  • User-friendly trading app that also comes with advanced analysis tools
  • Also supports commodities, ETFs, forex, and other popular assets

Pros pros

  • One of the best investment apps in the UK for spread betting and CFDs
  • Gain exposure to over 600 global stocks
  • No commissions are charged on any supported market
  • Demo account allows you to practice trade risk-free
  • Accepts debit/credits and multiple e-wallets

Cons cons

  • Regulated in nine countries – but doesn’t hold an FCA license

76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

4. FP Markets –  Offers Multiple Trading Options Through Mobile App

FP Markets logoFP Markets stands out as an excellent choice for beginners looking for a versatile trading app. It supports a wide range of platforms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, IRESS, cTrader, WebTrader, and TradingView, all compatible with iPhones and Android devices. This comprehensive suite makes FP Markets one of the most fully-featured options available.

While the platform is user-friendly, some beginners might find its advanced features, like the real-time trading client portal, challenging initially. However, FP Markets mitigates this with round-the-clock multilingual customer support and a learning module that educates new investors on navigating the platform and the basics of investing.

FP Markets Investment Platform UK

FP Markets allows trading in over 70 forex pairs, 10,000 stocks, 19 indices, and a variety of commodities, bonds, metals, and digital currencies. With a low commission model and ultra-low spreads starting from 0.0 pips, it is highly attractive for cost-conscious traders. Beginners will particularly appreciate the 30-day demo account, which helps them acclimate to the platform’s extensive functionalities.

Interested in learning more about this CFD trading app? Read our detailed FP Markets review for everything you need to know about this popular broker.

Supported Markets Pricing System Fee to Trade Amazon Stock Min. Deposit Top Features
  • Stocks
  • Forex
  • Indices
  • Bonds
  • Commodities
  • Cryptocurrencies
  • Low commission model
  • Spreads starting from 0.0 PIPs
  • Does not specify
  • 100 AUD
  • 250+ financial products available
  • Economic calendar to view upcoming events
  • High speed institutional grade trading

Pros pros

  • Over 10,000 stocks available to trade
  • Follows a low-commission model
  • 30-day demo account
  • Spreads start from 0.0 Pips

Cons cons

  • Features a steep learning curve

5. Pepperstone – Advanced Trading Options with the Pepperstone cTrader Mobile App

One of the most popular trading platforms, Pepperstone, is used in more than 174 countries. The platform is also regulated by multiple regulatory bodies, such as the Financial Conduct Authority and the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC). 

The Pepperstone platform offers a TradingView account and Meta Trader 4 & 5. However, Pepperstone also offers a separate cTrader mobile trading application for more experienced investors. This application allows users to access features such as advanced risk management, open APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), and advanced platform customization. 

Pepperstone app

You also get regular access to trade statistics, price alerts, and advanced order management settings. The cTrader app also offers advanced processing of expert advisors and indicators, which can be a benefit when conducting technical analysis. 

On the cTrader mobile app, users can trade more than 1,200 instruments, including over 100+ UK-based shares. When trading UK shares, the average commission is 0.10% per trade, or £7. A spread of 1 pips is also added to the order. 

Pepperstone app instruments

Users can also access educational webinars through the mobile app. The minimum deposit is set at $200. 

Supported Markets Pricing System Fee to Trade Amazon Stock Min. Deposit Top Features
  • Forex
  • Crypto
  • Shares
  • Indices
  • Commodities
  • Very tight spreads + low commission
  • $0.10 + 1 pip per side
  • £200
  • Tigh spreads and commissions charged
  • Offers advanced customization options
  • Open APIs and live price alerts

Pros pros

  • Advanced customization options
  • Advanced risk management
  • Educational webinars
  • Regulated by FCA & ASIC

Cons cons

  • High minimum deposit of $200

75.3% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider.

6. Admiral Markets – Start Trading with Just £1 Through this Popular Stock Trading Application

Admiral Markets is a popular stock trading platform that allows users to trade more than 8,000 instruments. Users can trade more than 3,000 share CFDs through the Admiral Markets trading app and even access spot trading options. 

Catering to the customers, the Admiral Markets app is accessible in 10+ languages. For beginner investors looking to start their investing journeys, Admiral Marketss supports educational content such as webinars and articles on the application. 

Admirals app img

Another key feature of Admiral Markets is fractional investing. Those on a tight budget do not need to purchase an entire stock. Instead, they can purchase as little as £1 worth of the share. The minimum investment on Admiral Markets is set at £25. 

The Admiral Markets app offers a quick account opening process. Thus, users can start trading in just a few minutes. The application comes with a range of charting tools and technical indicators that one can leverage before trading. 

Along with shares, users can access forex, CFDs on shares, commodities, cash indices, commodity futures, and bonds. When trading stocks such as Amazon, users are only required to pay a low commission of $0.02. You get one free commission per day. 

Admirals shares on app

In the UK, Admiral Markets is regulated by the FCA. Payments can be made using credit/debit cards and bank transfers. While you get one free withdrawal on bank transfers every month, there is a subsequent charge of $10 per withdrawal. The application also offers a demo account and trading tools such as MetaTrader Supreme Edtion and Stereo Trader.

Supported Markets Pricing System Fee to Trade Amazon Stock Min. Deposit Top Features
  • Forex
  • Indices
  • Commodities
  • Bonds
  • ETFs
  • CFDs for all assets
  • Commission + spreads (For trading CFDs)
  • $0.02
  • £25
  • Spread betting and CFDs supported
  • Offers fractional investing
  • Supports. ademo account

Pros pros

  • Offers fractional sharing options
  • Supports spread betting and CFD trading
  • Low commission charged
  • Regulated by the FCA

Cons cons

  • Charges $10 on withdrawals vis bank transfers (One free withdrawal per month)

75.3% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider.

7. Trade Nation – Trade 1,000+ Instruments and Access 90+ Technical Indicators 

The next top UK stock trading app is Trade Nation. Users can trade more than 1,000 instruments through the Trade Nation app, including over 100 UK shares. 

The Trade Nation app offers a straightforward user interface, allowing one to purchase new assets in just a few clicks. The app has multiple trading tools, such as real-time news, to inform you of market updates. 

Trade Nation app img

You can also access risk management tools such as stop orders to limit your losses. Through the Trade Nation app, one can also access multiple drawing and annotation tools when conducting technical analysis. Charting on the mobile application is powered by ChartIQ, allowing you to access over 90 technical indicators. 

Other than stocks, users can access forex pairs, commodities, and indices on Trade Nation. Users can practice stock trading and CFD (Contrat for Differences) trading on Trade Nation. This platform is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) since 2014. It is also covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) in the UK. 

Trade Nation app charts

To get started, traders can make an investment with debit/credit cards such as VISA and MasterCard. Other payment options include AstroPay and e-wallets such as Neteller and Skrill. 

Supported Markets Pricing System Fee to Trade Amazon Stock Min. Deposit Top Features
  • Stocks
  • Forex
  • Indices
  • Commodities
  • Fixed low-cost spreads
  • Fixed spread cost
  • No minimum deposit
  • Access over 90 technical indicators
  • Multiple charting options
  • Regulated by the FCA and covered by the FSCS

Pros pros

  • Supports more than 90 technical indicators
  • Multiple charting options are offered on the app
  • No minimum deposit
  • Regulated by the FCA

Cons cons

  • Limited number of trading instruments

67.3% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

8. Capital.com – Trade Thousands of Stocks With Leverage of up to 1:5            

Capital.com is one of the best stock trading apps in the UK for active traders. This provider specializes in leverage CFDs, so you can trade stocks with leverage. You can also short-sell companies that you believe will decline in value. More than 2,800 stocks are supported on the Capital.com app. This gives you lots of trading opportunities throughout the day.

For example, you can trade UK-listed stocks like Barclays, Wizz Air, Tesco, Vanquis Banking, HSBC, and BAE Systems. You can also trade stocks from the Asian markets, including Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore. Other supported stock markets include the US, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Norway. When trading UK stocks, you only need to meet a minimum trade size of one share.

Capital.com app review

If you’re trading US stocks, the minimum is just 0.1 shares. For instance, if you’re trading Apple stocks at $179, the minimum would be $17.90, or about £14. Other markets have their own minimums, but you can easily view this by clicking on the respective stock. Either way, you can trade UK and international stocks on Capital.com commission-free.

We like that Capital.com makes it easy to find a suitable stock to trade. You can use the search bar, or filter by the exchange or industry. The latter covers everything from utilities, healthcare, and energy to financial, basic materials, and technology. Capital.com also supports other asset classes, including commodities, forex, indices, and ETFs.

Capital.com app review

Capital.com is a safe and trusted trading app. It’s authorized and regulated by the FCA and is a member of the FSCS. Moreover, Capital.com has over 555,000 registered traders and it handles more than $54 million in monthly trading volume. Payments are simple and hassle-free too – you can deposit funds instantly with a UK debit/credit card or e-wallet. When using one of these deposit types, you’ll only need £20 to get started.

Supported Markets Pricing System Fee to Trade Amazon Stock Min. Deposit Top Features
  • Stocks
  • ETFs
  • Forex
  • Indices
  • Commodities
  • All supported markets can be traded commission-free
  • Commission-free
  • £20 (debit/credit cards and e-wallets(.
  • £250 (bank account transfers)
 
  • Regulated stock trading app offering 0% commission markets
  • Trade thousands of stocks from the UK, Europe, Asia, and North America
  • Debit/credit card and e-wallet deposits require just £20
  • Trade stocks with leverage of up to 1:5

Pros pros

  • Supports a huge range of UK and international stock markets
  • US stocks can be traded in units of 0.1 shares
  • Long and short orders can be placed at 0% commission
  • Very competitive spreads when trading large-cap stocks
  • Minimum deposit requirements start at £20

Cons cons

  • Does not support ‘real’ stocks – CFD derivatives only

9. Hargreaves Lansdown – Traditional Stock Trading App Supporting ISAs and SIPPs             

Hargreaves Lansdown offers a comprehensive range of investments and trading markets. This includes thousands of shares from the London Stock Exchange and the AIM. You can also invest in US-listed stocks like Apple and Tesla. However, Hargreaves Lansdown doesn’t support fractional investments – meaning you’ll need to buy at least one share.

This can make US-listed stocks expensive, as many trade for hundreds of dollars each. In addition, the Hargreaves Lansdown app also supports diversified investments. This includes thousands of investment funds, ETFs, and trusts. This offers a passive way to invest in the stock market. You can also buy UK-issued corporate and government bonds.

Hargreaves Lansdown review

We also like that Hargreaves Lansdown has an extensive research department. Its in-house analysts produce free stock reports on major UK companies, including quarterly earnings. You’ll also find information related to dividends and key accounting ratios. Hargreaves Lansdown also offers a range of ISAs, allowing you to invest in stocks tax-efficiently. It also supports SIPPs.

All that being said, Hargreaves Lansdown isn’t the cheapest stock trading app in the UK. It has a flat commission of £11.95 when you buy and sell investments. If you put these investments into an ISA, you’ll pay an additional 0.45%. Plus, if you trade US-listed stocks, you’ll be charged a 1% foreign exchange fee. Nevertheless, we like that the Hargreaves Lansdown app is user-friendly and the minimum deposit is just £1.

Supported Markets Pricing System Fee to Invest in Amazon Stock Min. Deposit Top Features
  • Stocks
  • ETFs/Funds
  • Investment Trusts
  • Bonds/gilts
  • £11.95 per trade. Reduced to £8.95 when trading 10 times in the previous month
  • 0.45% annual charge on ISAs 
  • £11.95 commission
  • You’ll also pay a 1% foreign exchange fee

 

  • £1
 
  • Industry-leading stock reports and market insights
  • Huge range of assets, including stocks, bonds, and trusts

Pros pros

  • User-friendly stock trading app backed by an established UK broker
  • Trade thousands of markets from the UK and the US
  • Invest in ISAs and SIPPs for tax-efficient growth
  • Get started with a minimum deposit of just £1

Cons cons

  • £11.95 commission when buying and selling assets
  • You’ll need to trade at least 10 times per month to reduce your commission

10. IG – Established UK Brokerage App Supports Thousands of Traditional Investment Markets

IG is an FCA-regulated broker that was founded nearly 50 years ago. It is also a member of the FSCS and has an excellent reputation for first-class customer service. You can invest via the IG website or its native app for iOS and Android. Both options support thousands of traditional investment markets. This includes most companies listed on the London Stock Exchange and the AIM.

You can also invest in global stocks from the US, Australia, and multiple European exchanges. You’ll need to deposit at least £250 to open an IG account. Accepted payment types include debit/credit cards and bank transfers. While the latter is fee-free, Visa and MasterCard payments cost 1% and 0.5% respectively.

IG stock trading app

You’ll also need to pay a £24 custody fee every three months if you have less than £15,000 in your portfolio, or you trade less than three times during the quarter. Trading commissions are also pricey if you don’t trade regularly. For example, US stocks attract a commission of £10 if you traded less than three times in the prior month. Similarly, UK stock commissions amount to £8.

But you can reduce your US and UK stock commissions to £0 and £3 respectively when you reach the three-trade threshold. As such, IG won’t be suitable if you want to invest small amounts every now and then. Plus, IG doesn’t support fractional shares. Nevertheless, IG is a safe and trusted trading app that offers excellent research tools. It also supports leveraged trading via spread betting and CFDs.

Supported Markets Pricing System Fee to Invest in Amazon Stock Min. Deposit Top Features
  • Stocks
  • ETFs/Funds
  • Investment Trusts
  • CFDs
  • Spread Betting
  • UK investments are charged £3/£8, depending on monthly trading volumes
  • US stocks cost £0/10
  • EU/Australian stocks cost 0.10% of the investment amount
  • £10 commission unless you trade at least three times in a month
  • You’ll also pay a 0.5% foreign exchange fee

 

  • £250
 
  • Supports traditional investments, spread betting, and CFDs
  • Highly-rated customer service department
  • FCA-regulated and FSCS-protected

Pros pros

  • Invest in thousands of traditional markets – including shares and funds
  • Also supports CFDs and spread betting
  • Established in 1974 and covered by the FSCS
  • Instant in-app deposits via UK debit/credit cards

Cons cons

  • Visa and MasterCard deposits cost 1% and 0.5% respectively
  • Does not support fractional stocks

11. Freetrade – Popular Stock Trading App for Fractional Investments             

Freetrade is one of the best stock trading apps in the UK for making fractional investments. You only need to meet a minimum trade size of £2. This is the case with all supported stocks from the UK, the US, and multiple European exchanges. However, while Freetrade supports over 6,000 stocks in total, the free account is limited to 1,500.

Moreover, the free account charges an FX fee of 0.99% on international stock investments. That said, you won’t pay any trading commissions. If you upgrade to the standard plan (£5.99/month), this is reduced to 0.59%. The standard account also comes with 1% interest on uninvested cash (up to £2,000) and automated order types (e.g. stop-losses).

Freetrade review

If you upgrade to the plus plan (£11.99), you’ll also get priority customer support, and interest on uninvested cash is increased to 3% (up to £4,000). You’ll also reduce the FX fee on non-UK stocks to 0.39% and have access to SIPPs. Irrespective of your chosen account type, there are no minimum deposit requirements at Freetrade. Its app is available on iOS and Android.

Supported Markets Pricing System Fee to Invest in Amazon Stock Min. Deposit Top Features
  • Stocks
  • ETFs
  • No commissions on any supported markets
  • FX fee on non-UK assets of up to 0.99%
  • Commission-free, but you’ll pay a foreign exchange fee of up to 0.99%

 

  • No minimum deposit
 
  • Free stock trading app that supports fractional investments from £2
  • Premium account features include automated order types, interest on uninvested cash, and access to SIPPs

Pros pros

  • Fractional investments from just £2 per trade
  • Trade UK and international stocks commission-free
  • One of the best free stock trading apps in the UK for newbies
  • Regulated by the FCA

Cons cons

  • FX fee of up to 0.99% when trading non-UK stocks
  • Monthly fees of £5.99 or £11.99 to access premium features

12. Trading 212 – Low-Cost Stock Trading App With Dividends and Share Lending       

Trading 212 is one of the cheapest stock trading apps in the UK. It offers 0% commission trading on all supported markets. This is the case with stocks in the UK, the US, and Spain, France, Portugal, and other European exchanges. Moreover, Trading 212 has a minimum trade requirement of just £1. Trading 212 is ideal for long-term investors who want to earn regular income.

For example, you’ll receive stock dividends as soon as the distribution is made. You’ll even earn dividends if you only own a small fraction of one share. What’s more, Trading 212 allows you to lend out your shares to short-sellers. Those borrowing your shares will pay interest until they are transferred back. Trading 212 also supports auto-investing portfolios.

Trading 212 app review

This is another passive way to build wealth, as your investments are automated. Trading 212 also supports leveraged stock CFDs and ISAs. There are no additional fees to invest in ISAs and all supported stocks are eligible. You can deposit funds instantly via the Trading 212 app; accepted payment types include Apple/Google Pay and debit/credit cards. While deposits are initially free, after the first £2,000 you’ll pay 0.7%.

Supported Markets Pricing System Fee to Invest in Amazon Stock Min. Deposit Top Features
  • Stocks
  • ETFs
  • Forex
  • Indices
  • Commodities
  • No commissions on any supported markets
  • Commission-free, but you’ll pay a foreign exchange fee of 0.15%

 

  • No minimum deposit
 
  • One of the few UK trading apps to offer fee-free ISAs
  • Lend out your shares to earn passive income

Pros pros

  • Beginner-friendly trading app with fractional investments of £1
  • Earn passive income by leading out your shares to short-sellers
  • Supports UK and international stocks at 0% commission
  • Also offers leveraged CFDs – including forex and commodities

Cons cons

  • After you deposit £2,000 you’ll pay 0.7% in transaction fees
  • FX fee of 0.15% on non-UK investments

How to Pick the Right Stock Trading App for You

No two stock trading apps are the same, so you’ll need to know what to look for when choosing a provider.

For example, while some trading apps are ideal for buying US-listed shares, others focus on the London Stock Exchange. There are many other factors to consider when researching the best apps for stock trading, which we discuss below.

Regulation and FSCS Protections 

The UK investment industry is heavily regulated. This is to ensure that UK consumers have access to fair and transparent trading conditions. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has regulatory oversight over UK stock trading apps. As such, you should ensure that your chosen trading app is authorized and licensed by the FCA.

Here’s why:

None of the protections listed above will be available if you choose a stock trading app that isn’t FCA-regulated. This includes FSCS protections and client fund segregation.

This is why we rank XTB so highly. Not only is the trading app regulated by the FCA but also licensing bodies in other jurisdictions. Moreover, XTB is a member of the FSCS. This means that as long as you don’t have more than £85,000 invested – you’re fully protected.

Supported Stock Markets 

When exploring the best apps for stock investments, you’ll need to assess what share markets it supports.

If you want to invest in UK-listed shares, look for trading apps that support the London Stock Exchange. In doing so, you’ll be able to buy shares in BP, HSBC, 888 Holdings, Barclays, BT, GlaxoSmithKline, and many other popular UK companies.

Additionally, if you want to invest in smaller UK companies, look for a trading app that supports the Alternative Investment Market (AIM). The AIM lists small-cap stocks that aren’t large enough for the London Stock Exchange.

Alternatively, many UK investors prefer to trade stocks from overseas. In particular, the US markets are popular, as this is where some of the world’s largest companies are listed. For example, Tesla, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, IBM, and Alphabet.

What’s the Best Way to Invest in US Stocks from the UK?

  • US-listed stocks have never been more popular with UK investors. Not only do US stocks like Apple and Amazon have global recognition but they have produced huge returns in recent years.
  • If you want to buy individual US stocks, XTB offers commission-free access. You simply need to cover a small spread, which is the gap between the buy and sell prices.
  • Alternatively, if you can’t decide which US stocks to buy, consider an index fund. The S&P 500, for example, allows you to invest in 500 large-cap stocks from the US. This includes Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Tesla, NVIDIA, Disney, and Microsoft.
  • You can invest in the S&P 500 index on XTB without paying any trading commission.

You might also consider investing in non-traditional stock markets, such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan. After all, the Asian markets are home to some of the fastest-growing economies globally.

Other Supported Asset Classes

While you might initially want to trade shares, the best stock apps also support other asset classes. For example, XTB, and Capital.com also allow you to trade forex pairs. These popular trading apps also support indices and commodities like gold and oil.

XTB forex

Fees 

The best stock trading apps in the UK offer low fees. That said, we found that many providers have ‘hidden’ fees that aren’t easy to locate. As such, let’s break down the main fees that you will need to check before choosing a provider.

Trading Commissions 

The first fee to explore is commissions. This is one of the main ways that stock trading apps make money. Put simply, the app will charge you a commission when you buy and sell assets.

For example:

  • Let’s say that you buy £100 worth of stocks on the Hargreaves Lansdown app
  • You will pay a flat commission of £11.95 (11.95% of the investment size)
  • Let’s say that a few months later, your stocks are worth £150
  • You want to sell, so you again pay a flat commission of £11.95 (8% of the sale proceeds)

As you can see, Hargreaves Lansdown isn’t suitable for buying and selling stocks unless you’re investing huge amounts.

Now consider the same investment at XTB. To enter the market, you’ll pay 0% in commission. And to sell your stocks, you’ll also pay 0% in commission. This means that you would have saved £23.90 by using XTB.

Spreads

The spread is an additional trading fee to look for when choosing a stock buying app. This is simply the difference between the buy and sell prices of the asset you’re trading.

For example:

  • Suppose you want to trade Apple stocks on the XTB app
  • Currently, the buy price is $179.38
  • And the sell price is $179.10
  • This means that for every stock you trade, you’re paying a spread of just $0.28
  • Plus, XTB doesn’t charge commissions, so that’s saved you even more.

Not all UK trading apps display the spread, so you might need to work this out yourself. Moreover, the spread changes based on market conditions. Nonetheless, you’ll want to trade with the lowest spreads possible.

What is the Stamp Duty for UK Investors?

FX Fees on International Stocks

One of the main drawbacks of trading international stocks is that you might need to pay FX fees. This is because you’re investing in assets that trade in a different currency.

Here are some examples of FX fees charged by popular stock market apps in the UK:

  • Hargreaves Lansdown: 1%
  • Freetrade: Up to 0.99%
  • Trading 212: 0.15%

Platform Fees

Some UK stock trading apps charge platform fees. This is a fee charged to keep your account open. You might need to pay a flat monthly fee or a percentage of your portfolio value.

For example, standard and plus plans on Trading 212 cost £5.99 and £11.99 per month, respectively. This means that investing small amounts can be unviable, as you’re paying monthly fees regardless of whether you make a profit.

IG also charges a flat platform fee. You’ll pay £24 every quarter if you don’t meet minimum trade requirements. Any commissions you pay during the quarter are reduced from the platform fee.

If you’re trading via a Stocks and Shares ISA, then a percentage fee is more likely. For example, you’ll pay 0.45% at Hargreaves Lansdown.

Trading Tools and Analysis 

The majority of stock trading apps offer tools to help you analyze the markets. This often includes live pricing charts with drawing tools and technical indicators. That said, these tools might not be suitable if you’re a beginner.

A more suitable option would be market insights from expert analysts. These help you make informed trading decisions, as you’ll be extracting insights from experienced investors. You’ll find plenty of research reports on Hargreaves Lansdown that are easy to understand. This includes an analysis of quarterly earnings reports.

Account Minimums 

You might need to meet some account minimums when using a UK stock trading app. For example, some apps come with a minimum deposit requirement. There’s sometimes a minimum withdrawal requirement too.

The good news is that many stock trading apps support fractional shares. This means you don’t need to buy and sell full shares. At XTB, the minimum stock trade size is $10. So, if you invested $10 in Booking Holdings, you would own about 0.3% of one share.

XTB also supports fractional shares – the minimum is just €10 (about £8.50).

Demo Account 

The most effective way to choose a stock trading app is to open a demo account. You won’t need to deposit any funds or provide payment details.

Demo accounts come pre-loaded with virtual trading funds. This enables you to test the trading app risk-free. If the app is to your liking, you can then open a real money account.

Payment Methods

You’ll need to choose a stock trading app that supports your preferred payment method.

Most providers allow you to deposit funds directly in the app. Your payment will be processed instantly if you use a UK debit/credit card. E-wallet deposits are also fast, especially when using PayPal.

If you prefer transferring money from your UK bank, you’ll need to manually copy and paste the broker’s account number and sort code. Moreover, it can take 1-3 working days before the money is added to your trading account.

Customer Service 

The best stock investment apps offer in-app customer service. You can normally speak with an agent via live chat.

You’ll likely find that customer service is available around the clock during the week. Some trading apps also offer customer support over the weekend.

However, do note that live chat isn’t always available. If it isn’t, you might need to call the trading app provider.

How We Test Stock Investment Apps

The only way that we can offer accurate and up-to-date information on the best stock trading apps is to test them ourselves. Before getting started, we explore the fundamentals directly from the provider’s website.

This means exploring trading fees, spreads, minimum deposit requirements, and accepted payment methods. We also research the trading app’s regulatory status. For instance, confirming its registration number on the FCA register and verifying its FSCS membership.

After that, we’ll open a demo account with the stock trading app. This enables us to test the app in live market conditions. We can assess what trading tools and features are supported, and how quickly market orders are executed. We’ll also review live market spreads to see how competitive the trading app is.

When researching the best stock trading app for you, we would suggest you follow the same process. After all, by testing a trading app yourself, you’ll know whether or not it’s right for you.

Conclusion

Overall, we found that the best stock trading app in the UK is eToro. We like that eToro offers thousands of commission-free stocks. The app also offers a dozen of technical indicators and charting options.

76% of retail CFD accounts lose money – your capital is at risk.

References

https://www.dowjones.com/

https://www.fscs.org.uk/media/press/2019/apr/higher-protection-limits/

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/money-mentor/article/guide-capital-gains-tax/

https://www.handbook.fca.org.uk/handbook/CASS/7/13.html

https://www.fscs.org.uk/what-we-cover/

https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/indices/equity/sp-500/

https://www.imf.org/en/Blogs/Articles/2023/05/01/asia-poised-to-drive-global-economic-growth-boosted-by-chinas-reopening

https://www.gov.uk/tax-buy-shares

https://www.cnbc.com/quotes/BKNG

https://register.fca.org.uk/s/

https://www.fscs.org.uk/check/

https://www.londonstockexchange.com/indices/ftse-100/constituents/table

FAQs

Which stock app is best in the UK?

What is the best way to invest in stocks in the UK?

How do I pick a stock investment app?

What is the best stock market cap

Kane Pepi
Editor
Kane Pepi
Editor

Kane Pepi is an accomplished financial and cryptocurrency writer who has an extensive portfolio of over 2,000 articles, guides, and market insights. With his expertise in specialized subjects such as asset valuation and analysis, portfolio management, and financial crime prevention, Kane has built a reputation for providing clear explanations of complex financial topics. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Finance and a Master's Degree in Financial Crime, and is currently pursuing his Doctorate degree, which focuses on investigating the complexities of money laundering in the cryptocurrency and blockchain technology sectors. Kane's wealth of knowledge and experience in the field make…